He spat out his penholder, and kicked over his chair, as he got up and began to pace the room, with clenched hands and pinched face.
[CHAPTER XXVIII]
THE LINE OF CLEAVAGE
"Dearest Grace,
"We two are in trouble, and you are the unconscious cause of it. We have suddenly discovered that we have all grown up, and things can never be quite the same between us all as they have been. Jim is writing to you also, and you will get both our letters at the same time. We both love you, Gracie, with our whole hearts. If you can care enough for either of us it is for you to say which. For myself I cannot begin to tell you all you are to me. You are everything to me--everything. I cannot, dare not imagine life without you in it, Gracie. Can you care enough for me to make me the happiest man in all the world?
"Ever yours devotedly,
"John Denzil Carron."
"Gracie Dear,
"It is horrid to have to ask if you care for me more than you do for old Jack. But it has come to that, and we cannot help ourselves. I want you more than I ever wanted anything in all my life. You are more to me than life itself or anything it can ever give me. I know I am not half good enough for you, and I wish I had made more of myself now. But I do not think any one could ever care for you as I do.
"God bless you, dear, whatever you decide.